Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’ll guide you through a tasty Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe that you won’t want to miss. This dish features succulent chicken thighs, earthy cremini mushrooms, and fragrant spices. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. Grab your apron, and let’s create a delicious meal that’s quick and easy to make!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 200g cremini mushrooms, sliced
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Seasonings and Oils
– 2 teaspoons black pepper (adjust to taste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– Salt to taste
Garnishes
– Chopped green onions for garnish
– Additional seasoning options
This dish combines simple yet flavorful ingredients. It starts with chicken thighs, which are juicy and tender. Cremini mushrooms add earthy notes, while onions, garlic, and ginger bring depth.
When it comes to seasoning, black pepper is the star. It adds warmth and a bit of heat. Soy sauce and oyster sauce deepen the flavor, making each bite delightful. Sesame oil adds a nutty quality that rounds out the dish.
Don’t forget the garnishes! Green onions not only add color but also a fresh crunch. Depending on your taste, you can add more black pepper or even chili flakes for extra kick. Ready to cook? Check out the Full Recipe for all the steps!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
To start, you need to coat the chicken. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and one teaspoon of black pepper. Toss it well. This step helps the chicken stay juicy and adds a nice crunch.
Next, heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cooking the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Now, toss in the sliced onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions start to soften. This brings out their sweet flavor.
Then, add the sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender and browned. The mushrooms add a rich taste to the dish.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook these for about 30 seconds until you can smell their amazing scent. This step adds layers of flavor to your dish.
Combining Ingredients
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix it with the mushrooms and onions. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you want), sesame oil, and the remaining black pepper. Stir it all together.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. This helps the chicken soak up all the delicious flavors. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or black pepper if you like.
Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your meal.
For the complete cooking experience, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To get tender chicken, start by using boneless thighs. They stay juicy and cook well. Make sure to coat them with cornstarch. This helps create a nice crust when searing.
For mushrooms, I recommend using cremini. They add a rich flavor. Cook them until they are browned and soft. Avoid overcooking, as they can turn mushy.
Flavor Enhancements
Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less black pepper. If you want a milder taste, try using one teaspoon instead of two.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding oyster sauce. It gives a rich depth. You can also try hoisin sauce or a splash of rice vinegar for a twist.
Cooking Techniques
A large skillet or wok works best for stir-frying. It allows for even cooking and good heat distribution.
Control the temperature by starting on medium-high heat. This helps to sear the chicken quickly. Lower the heat when adding vegetables to avoid burning them.
For more tips, check out the Full Recipe.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can switch out the chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Just remember to adjust your cooking time to keep it juicy. For a vegetarian option, use tofu. Firm tofu soaks up flavors well. Press and cube it first, then follow the same steps as with chicken.
Vegetable Add-ins
Feel free to mix in other mushrooms or veggies. Shiitake mushrooms add a rich taste, while bell peppers give a sweet crunch. Seasonal vegetables like snap peas or broccoli also shine in this dish. It’s a great way to use what you have on hand.
Different Flavor Profiles
Want to change up the taste? Add some citrus zest or juice. Lemon or lime brightens the dish. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also add a fresh twist. You can try different sauces too. For example, swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor. Each change can turn this dish into a new experience.
For more cooking ideas, check out the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
To keep your Black Pepper Chicken fresh, use a tight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. If you have a lot left, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without having to thaw a large batch.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze Black Pepper Chicken, first, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use resealable plastic bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Serving Suggestions
Black Pepper Chicken pairs well with various sides. Try serving it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice. Noodles are another great option. You can also add some stir-fried vegetables for color and nutrition. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great here. This combo will make your meal more balanced and fun!
FAQs
How do I make Black Pepper Chicken less spicy?
To reduce the heat in Black Pepper Chicken, you can try a few simple tips:
– Use less black pepper. Start with one teaspoon and taste.
– Add sugar or honey to balance the heat. A little goes a long way.
– Include more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. They help mellow the spice.
– Serve with a side of rice. This can cool down the heat.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can mix it up with mushrooms! Here are some good choices:
– Button mushrooms are mild and easy to find.
– Shiitake mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor.
– Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture.
– You can even use frozen mushrooms if fresh ones are not available.
How long does Black Pepper Chicken take to cook?
Black Pepper Chicken is quick to make. Here’s the breakdown:
– Prep time is about 15 minutes. This includes cutting and seasoning the chicken.
– Cooking time is around 15 minutes. This covers sautéing and mixing the ingredients.
– Total time is about 30 minutes. It’s a perfect dish for a busy weeknight!
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
This guide showed how to make Black Pepper Chicken, starting with key ingredients. You learned about the best techniques for cooking chicken and vegetables. We also discussed tips for perfect texture and flavor variations. Lastly, I covered storage methods to keep your dish fresh. Experiment with the recipe and enjoy the process. Cooking is about fun and creativity, so make it yours! Remember, the right ingredients and techniques lead to tasty meals. Happy cooking!
![- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 200g cremini mushrooms, sliced - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 teaspoons black pepper (adjust to taste) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - Salt to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish - Additional seasoning options This dish combines simple yet flavorful ingredients. It starts with chicken thighs, which are juicy and tender. Cremini mushrooms add earthy notes, while onions, garlic, and ginger bring depth. When it comes to seasoning, black pepper is the star. It adds warmth and a bit of heat. Soy sauce and oyster sauce deepen the flavor, making each bite delightful. Sesame oil adds a nutty quality that rounds out the dish. Don't forget the garnishes! Green onions not only add color but also a fresh crunch. Depending on your taste, you can add more black pepper or even chili flakes for extra kick. Ready to cook? Check out the Full Recipe for all the steps! To start, you need to coat the chicken. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and one teaspoon of black pepper. Toss it well. This step helps the chicken stay juicy and adds a nice crunch. Next, heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Now, toss in the sliced onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions start to soften. This brings out their sweet flavor. Then, add the sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender and browned. The mushrooms add a rich taste to the dish. Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook these for about 30 seconds until you can smell their amazing scent. This step adds layers of flavor to your dish. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix it with the mushrooms and onions. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you want), sesame oil, and the remaining black pepper. Stir it all together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. This helps the chicken soak up all the delicious flavors. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or black pepper if you like. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your meal. For the complete cooking experience, check out the Full Recipe. To get tender chicken, start by using boneless thighs. They stay juicy and cook well. Make sure to coat them with cornstarch. This helps create a nice crust when searing. For mushrooms, I recommend using cremini. They add a rich flavor. Cook them until they are browned and soft. Avoid overcooking, as they can turn mushy. Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less black pepper. If you want a milder taste, try using one teaspoon instead of two. To enhance the flavor, consider adding oyster sauce. It gives a rich depth. You can also try hoisin sauce or a splash of rice vinegar for a twist. A large skillet or wok works best for stir-frying. It allows for even cooking and good heat distribution. Control the temperature by starting on medium-high heat. This helps to sear the chicken quickly. Lower the heat when adding vegetables to avoid burning them. For more tips, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Just remember to adjust your cooking time to keep it juicy. For a vegetarian option, use tofu. Firm tofu soaks up flavors well. Press and cube it first, then follow the same steps as with chicken. Feel free to mix in other mushrooms or veggies. Shiitake mushrooms add a rich taste, while bell peppers give a sweet crunch. Seasonal vegetables like snap peas or broccoli also shine in this dish. It’s a great way to use what you have on hand. Want to change up the taste? Add some citrus zest or juice. Lemon or lime brightens the dish. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also add a fresh twist. You can try different sauces too. For example, swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor. Each change can turn this dish into a new experience. For more cooking ideas, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your Black Pepper Chicken fresh, use a tight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. If you have a lot left, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without having to thaw a large batch. To freeze Black Pepper Chicken, first, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use resealable plastic bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Black Pepper Chicken pairs well with various sides. Try serving it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice. Noodles are another great option. You can also add some stir-fried vegetables for color and nutrition. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great here. This combo will make your meal more balanced and fun! To reduce the heat in Black Pepper Chicken, you can try a few simple tips: - Use less black pepper. Start with one teaspoon and taste. - Add sugar or honey to balance the heat. A little goes a long way. - Include more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. They help mellow the spice. - Serve with a side of rice. This can cool down the heat. Yes, you can mix it up with mushrooms! Here are some good choices: - Button mushrooms are mild and easy to find. - Shiitake mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor. - Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture. - You can even use frozen mushrooms if fresh ones are not available. Black Pepper Chicken is quick to make. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time is about 15 minutes. This includes cutting and seasoning the chicken. - Cooking time is around 15 minutes. This covers sautéing and mixing the ingredients. - Total time is about 30 minutes. It’s a perfect dish for a busy weeknight! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This guide showed how to make Black Pepper Chicken, starting with key ingredients. You learned about the best techniques for cooking chicken and vegetables. We also discussed tips for perfect texture and flavor variations. Lastly, I covered storage methods to keep your dish fresh. Experiment with the recipe and enjoy the process. Cooking is about fun and creativity, so make it yours! Remember, the right ingredients and techniques lead to tasty meals. Happy cooking!](https://mydishspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/17277f2c-5c5d-4a72-9aff-b460a1fd830a-250x250.webp)